Exploding rocket casts doubts over Nasa's Moon plans
A recent explosion of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket during a test in Florida has raised concerns about the company's ability to fulfill its commitments to NASA for lunar missions. The incident has caused extensive damage to the launch pad, which is the only facility capable of launching the New Glenn rocket, potentially delaying future launches for months. This setback comes as NASA plans to establish a permanent presence on the Moon, with Blue Origin's involvement now in jeopardy.
- ▪The New Glenn rocket exploded during a routine engine test at Kennedy Space Centre.
- ▪No injuries were reported, but the explosion caused significant damage to the launch pad.
- ▪Blue Origin's ability to meet NASA's lunar mission timelines is now in question due to the explosion.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Exploding rocket casts doubts over Nasa's Moon plansJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GooglePallab GhoshScience correspondentWatch the moment Blue Origin's rocket exploded during a test in FloridaThe fireball that lit up the sky over Florida's Kennedy Space Centre last night has put a big question mark over whether Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin space company can deliver on a string of commitments to Nasa in its efforts to send astronauts to the lunar surface and build a Moon base.Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at about 21:00 local time during a routine test of its engines.The 98m (322ft) rocket had been due to launch 48 satellites for Amazon's Leo broadband network, as early as 4 June.The explosion is obviously a big setback for the Leo network, which is struggling to be the main…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC News — Science.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from BBC News — Science
